UK and Norway Foil Russian Submarine Operation Targeting North Atlantic Undersea Cables
Key Takeaways
- UK and Norway tracked three Russian submarines near critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic.
- Operation lasted over a month with a Royal Navy frigate, aircraft, and hundreds involved.
- Defense Secretary John Healey said submarines were tracked near cables and withdrew without damage.
UK-Norway Submarine Operation
Britain and Norway conducted a joint naval operation to deter Russian submarines suspected of malign activity near undersea cables and pipelines.
“UK says it and Norway led a military operation to deter Russian submarines in the north Atlantic UK says it and Norway led a military operation to deter Russian submarines in the north Atlantic ByThe Associated Press April 9, 2026, 10:13 AM 1:14 Headlines from ABC News LiveCatch up on the developing stories making headlines”
The operation lasted more than a month and involved a Royal Navy frigate, P8 marine patrol aircraft, and hundreds of personnel.
They tracked a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine used as a decoy and two specialist submarines from Russia's Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research.
The Russian vessels eventually left after the operation.
The operation took place in the UK's exclusive economic zone, not territorial waters.
Healey's Warning to Putin
Healey issued a direct warning to Moscow that any attempt to damage cables and pipelines will not be tolerated.
He said Putin would want us to be distracted by the Middle East but Russia remains the primary threat.
The operation involved around 500 British personnel.
Healey responded to criticism about Russia's shadow fleet, saying we have the military options and we're ready.
Strategic Implications
The operation demonstrated the UK's capability to detect and deter Russian submarine activity.
NATO's senior expert on cyber and hybrid threats had warned that persistent attacks on undersea cables are the most active threat.
The use of submarines for espionage and potential sabotage demonstrates Russia's modern hybrid warfare.
The operation came amid growing scrutiny of European fashion brands after a deadly Bangladesh factory fire.
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